Six years ago, The Rotary Club of Westlake Village (noon) created a “Peace Day” event in conjunction with Parks and Rec, Art Trek (a local nonprofit providing art programs to schools) and Safe Passage (a local nonprofit that works with at-risk youth). On 2/14/15 this year, we produced our annual “Peace Day” at a local park. Approximately 100 students from kindergarten to high school came on buses we arranged for a day of Peacebuilding and Fun with Rotarians.
The kids started their day with games in the gym, outside activities and art classes and then rotated to different locations throughout the day so they experienced every activity. The artist who animates “Spongebob Squarepants” was there teaching the kids how to draw Spongebob and talked about how Spongebob is a peacemaker! He explained that Spongebob is always kind, helps people, is honest and lives by the Golden Rule. Spongebob is a Rotarian at heart!
The kids started their day with games in the gym, outside activities and art classes and then rotated to different locations throughout the day so they experienced every activity. The artist who animates “Spongebob Squarepants” was there teaching the kids how to draw Spongebob and talked about how Spongebob is a peacemaker! He explained that Spongebob is always kind, helps people, is honest and lives by the Golden Rule. Spongebob is a Rotarian at heart!
Our Club members served the kids lunch (the owner of the local Chick-fil-A filet donated the food as his way to support Rotary’s Peace Day). Club members helped the kids paint “peace rocks” outside after lunch and helped the Parks and Rec staff with activities and clean up. When the kids left, they all got a Rotary goodie bag filled with candy, toys and a message of peace and encouragement to continue to be a Peacebuilder.
We’re incredibly proud of this event and how we incorporated working with other nonprofits to create an event the kids look forward to every year.
We’re incredibly proud of this event and how we incorporated working with other nonprofits to create an event the kids look forward to every year.